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Months before fans entered the new PNC Field, Art Matin knocked on their front doors.

In preparing for the 2013 baseball season, the CEO of Mandalay Baseball Properties had reviewed the hard numbers - the area's climbing unemployment and poverty rates.

Now, before he finalized ticket prices, he wanted to hear from the people who would fill the rehabbed stadium.

"We tried hard to listen to what our fans had to say, what our season ticket holders had to say, and business officials and public figures in the area had to say," said Matin, who along with other members of the then Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees, embarked on a "listening tour" last spring.

"So many people said, 'We really, really hope and wish the tickets are going to be affordable so we can participate in this.' We took that input to heart."

When the doors at PNC Field open Thursday, the stadium will be among the most-affordable minor league baseball venues in Pennsylvania, based on ticket and certain concession prices.

For $50, fans can purchase four single-game tickets, four hot dogs, two sodas and two beers - the third cheapest figure among all eight minor league baseball stadiums in the state.

It costs $52.50 for the same package at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown, home of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, and $61.50 at the Erie SeaWolves' Jerry Uht Park.

"It really comes down to what we think is the best for this market - what we think is affordable," Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders President and General Manager Rob Crain said. "Even before I did my first interview, a phone interview, I did my research on the team and the market and knew what needed to be done."

Chief among the items on his checklist was introducing more promotions and giveaways.

Under Crain's direction, fans will receive an additional bargain four nights a week.

On Mondays, fans will be treated to $1 hot dogs, while Tuesdays they can purchase one $7 lawn seat and get another for free.

Children 12 and younger will receive a voucher for a free kid's meal on Kids Eat Free Wednesdays, and on Thirsty Thursdays, the park will offer $1 specials on beer and Pepsi products.

"While we focused on making everything affordable, we also looked at adding value to a fan's experience," Crain said. He said Friday postgame fireworks will continue, and children will be allowed to run the bases after all Sunday home games.

"It goes back to our 'front porch of the community' philosophy," he said. "We wanted to make the atmosphere more family friendly."

While the extensive promotional and giveaway schedule is a stark contrast to what Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees' fans have seen over the past five years, it's common among all the Triple-A teams in the International League, President Randy Mobley said.

Over the past half-dozen years, he said teams have incorporated new wrinkles - such as concession promotions or additional giveaway items - to maximize value.

The adjustments are necessary to entice fans looking for more entertainment for their dollar, but also to stay true to the staple of minor league baseball - family entertainment at affordable prices.

"That's one of the core elements, the heart and soul of our success," Mobley said.

Based on the prices - and the notion many people will want to experience a game at the new $43.3 million ballpark - it's reasonable to assume PNC Field will be a hot ticket this year, said Teri Ooms, executive director at the Institute for Public Policy and Economic Development.

But it's also hard to look past the last few years, in which, "it's been hard for people to do just about anything," Ms. Ooms said.

"Fifty dollars for a night out might be cost-prohibitive," she said, citing the unemployment rate and the number of people struggling to afford basic life necessities. "On the other hand, I think you will see a lot of people make an emotional decision and buy tickets because they want to experience the new park.

"But after the initial surge, maybe even after the first year or couple years, attendance will depend on one thing: Can they afford it?"

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